Spokane code enforcement officials are cracking down on illegal dumping, a practice that litters the county with 350 tons of debris every year.
Near the intersection of 8th and Flora in Spokane Valley is a scenic piece of property owned by a church. The church allows the public to hike up on their property; however earlier this summer someone used it as their personal and illegal dumping ground.
Most illegal dumpers are trying to save money. For example, a set of used tires found on the church's property would have cost about $20 to get rid of. But instead a guy by the name of Shane dropped them off on the property along with his household garbage.
Not only is Shane really cheap in not paying to dump his garbage, but he may not be so bright either. Among his shoes and empty packs of cigarettes code enforcement officers found his mail including a collection notice from, surprisingly enough, Shane's unpaid garbage bill.
"Here's one from True Green and then what you do is look at the addresses and if I find three pieces on this name I could also charge this person," Brenden said.
The property owner also found Shane's address and confronted him.
"He actually called this person who admitted to him that they had done it and said they would come clean it up but they never did," Brenden said.
So now code enforcement officers are issuing Shane with a criminal citation.
"This was a beautiful , pristine piece of property. It's got a beautiful view over my shoulder. It's where people come to enjoy the solitude, take a nice walk, and people come up here and destroy it for everybody," Brenden said.
Now, instead of paying $26 to dump that trash at the Valley transfer station, Shane now faces a $5,000 fine and up to a year in jail.
Code enforcement officials want to make is easy for you to report illegal dumping and have established a new "Bitter about Litter" hotline you can call. The toll-free number is 1 (855) 625-DUMP.
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